I don’t think any rational thinking human being would disagree with the statement that being “politically correct” or “PC” has gotten out of control. In the past couple of weeks, the song, Baby, It’s Cold Outside, has been banned by a number of radio stations across the country and several PC spokespeople have urged them to also ban Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

I will roll my eyes and scream “Seriously?” in a helpless falsetto in just a moment. But first, let’s do a little background.

Political correctness didn’t start out to be the ridiculous, knee-jerk, judgmental practice it’s become. It began as something good—an effort to eliminate language and practices that were demeaning, insulting, and offensive. It was a stand to be taken against racism and sexism and all the other “isms” that basically said, “I’m better than you” or “You’re better than her” because of your race, genitalia, or gender preferences. It was a stand for tolerance and equality.

It was supposed to be a good thing.

And for some people, it was. But for a big, loud bunch of people—in some places, they’re the majority—it became a giant stick to hit people with and judge them. It was rightly ridiculed for that.

But it flourished nonetheless. And grew like a B-movie monster attacking the city and consuming everything in its path. This modern hybrid of the original political correctness concept fails to take into account history or context.

Fast forward to today. Baby It’s Cold Outside comes from a movie called, Neptune’s Daughter. 1949. It’s a silly little musical comedy in the style of most musical comedies of the time. Two couples flirt, singing and dancing this intricately choreographed piece with hats and coats and drinks. In one couple, the girl is the aggressor; in the other, the boy. Nobody forces anybody to do anything, and the oft quoted lyric that “makes it an offensive song” is, “What’s in this drink?” They sing it because it rhymes with think, not because it’s some sort of code for roofies. In fact, it’s the girl who suggests having that other drink in the first place.

Context and history are important. If you apply them, you can see a whole, new, not-weirdly-paranoid world.

But while you’re here, let’s talk the Rudolf song—which people want to ban because it … get ready for it … promotes bullying. It doesn’t. Yes, Rudy isn’t allowed to play in the others’ reindeer games because he’s different. I’ll concede that is what bullies do. But the M. Night Shyamalan twist is his difference makes him the hero. It’s a song about being proud of who you are. It’s about celebrating your differences.

The secret is to, I don’t know, maybe listen to the whole song.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

*does soap box dismount and walks away whistling innocently*